Spike TV to overlap UFC on Versus 4 broadcast with Nate Marquardt marathon







Spike TV will showcase an all-day marathon featuring some of UFC fighter Nate Marquardt's best fights this Sunday, June 26.

The special runs from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT, which means it'll overlap with UFC on Versus 4, a live event that airs at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) on Versus.

UFC on Versus 4, of course, features a headliner pitting Marquardt against Rick Story. It marks Marquardt's debut in the welterweight division.

The UFC and Spike TV are in the homestretch of a multi-year contract, but UFC officials have made no secret that they're talking to numerous suitors. That means – after a six-year run – the UFC could permanently leave the Spike TV lineup for the first time. Recent reports have suggested the UFC may look to purchase a controlling interest in the G4 cable station, but UFC president Dana White told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that nothing is close to finalized.

"I told you guys the last time we all talked that we're talking to everybody right now," White told MMAjunkie.com. "It actually blew my mind that huge media sources would go out and announce that when there is no deal. It's crazy to me."

With a competitor airing the latest UFC show, though, Spike TV is counter-programming. That probably doesn't bode well for the UFC-Spike TV renewal talks.

The lineup includes:

1 p.m. ET/PT
UFC Unleashed: UFC 73
Anderson Silva vs. Nate Marquardt

2 p.m. ET/PT
UFC Unleashed: UFC 109
Chael Sonnen vs. Nate Marquardt

3 p.m. ET/PT
UFC Unleashed: UFC 83
Martin Kampmann vs. Nate Marquardt

4 p.m. ET/PT
UFC Fight Night 1
Ivan Salaverry vs. Nate Marquardt

6 p.m. ET/PT
UFC 95 replay
Wilson Gouveia vs. Nate Marquardt

9 p.m. ET/PT
UFC Fight Night 22 replay
Rousimar Palhares vs. Nate Marquardt



Source: Spike TV to overlap UFC on Versus 4 broadcast with Nate Marquardt marathon

From the looks of it it doesn't bode well for a future deal with Spike with the counter-programming.
If a deal isn't reached, I'm interested to see what happens with TUF series. TUF 13 has dipping ratings and if TUF 14 doesn't get better, I can see a Friday Night Fights like they do in boxing on a different network.

i think tuf has gotten boring because they focus too much on the fights...
i like the old seasons where you used to get to see how they interact and annoy each other in the house...
the way the ufc is going right now we get to see fights every weekend...
so why would i want to watch boring fights on the ultimate fighter...
its very rare to see a fight not go to a decision or 3 round which is boring...
id rather see good reality tv because that shit is much more interesting...
i think tuf sucks without the reality tv part...
just like tuf would suck without the fights...
you gotta have both or it doesnt work...